A former chef kicked through the iron gates of Benedict Cumberbatch's home in north London before spitting on the intercom, then tearing it loose with a knife. He was heard shouting threats, including, "I know you've moved here, I hope it burns down," and threw a plant at the wall before leaving the scene.
Benedict, his wife and their three young sons were at home at the time. A source told the Daily Mail: "Naturally all of the family were absolutely terrified and thought this guy was going to get in and hurt them. Luckily it never went that far. Benedict and Sophie have had many sleepless nights since worrying that they may be targeted again. The fact that it was a targeted intrusion makes it a lot more scary."
Jack Bissell, 35, was arrested after authorities traced his DNA from the intercom. In court, Bissell pled guilty but didn't offer an explanation as to why he targeted the actor. He was fined £250 and given a three-year restraining order to stay away from Cumberbatch and his family, as well as the neighborhood where they live.
Benedict next appears on the big screen in The Book of Clarence, co-starring LaKeith Stanfield and James McAvoy, scheduled to open in theaters September 22, 2023. ~Alexandra Heilbron
Rather than give this perp barely a slap on the wrist, would it not have been prudent to have the judge/legal system COMPELthis man to get some supervised Help, in order to FIND OUT WHY he did what he did, and hopefully keep it it from Happening AGAIN, or to someone ELSE? I would sure like to Know, were I BC!
That is terrible that , that's all he got 250 pound fine Scaring those people like that. Should have been put right into a mental institute. It make me very sad that the family had to go through that.Reminds me of George Harrison's terrifying experience. What is wrong with people ??
At first, I thought maybe the guy got the wrong house, but when it read that he didn't give an explanation, then I figured he knew exactly what he was doing and to whom. Benedict is a public figure, but that doesn't give anyone the right to harrass his family like that. The guy needs court ordered psychiatric help. Good thing nobody was hurt.
so sorry to read this - Benedict is such a good guy and love all his movies and tv show when he plays Sherlock Homes. I was so up set to see this article. What is the world coming too = too much hate and violence . God Bless that they were safe.
Did the intruder work for the family at one time?
No, he worked at a restaurant. I don't think 3 years is long enough. He should be required to stay away from them and their neighborhood forever. He's obviously got a mental or anger problem. Not to mention his stupidity. Spitting on the intercom is what gave the police what they needed to identify and charge him. What an idiot. If I were Benedict, I would move away and hire security.